Ugandan Teen Titans Win Africa TT Gold, Qualify for World Stage

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Uganda’s Under-15 girls’ table tennis team has etched its name into the annals of African and Ugandan sports history by clinching their first-ever continental Gold Medal in the team event, following a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Tunisia at the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships held in Lagos, Nigeria.

This monumental achievement marks Uganda's first qualification to the World Youth Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to take place in Romania in November 2025, representing a major milestone for the country’s growing table tennis program.

A Battle of Grit and Heart: Uganda vs. Tunisia 

The gold medal match was nothing short of electrifying. Tunisia struck first when Patience Anyango fell to Saidi Ella in straight sets, giving the North African side an early 1-0 lead. But Uganda bounced back through Jemimah Nakawala, who delivered a resolute 3-2 win over Brahimi Mariam in a 27-minute thriller to level the tie at 1-1.

Tunisia regained the advantage after Patra Nasirumbi lost 1-3 to Brahimi Nour, putting Uganda under pressure. But Nakawala once again rose to the occasion. In her second match of the final, she faced off against Saidi Ella and, despite a few setbacks, delivered a clutch 3-2 victory — setting the stage for a final decisive match.

In the fifth and final match, it was Patience Anyango who returned to the table with redemption on her mind. Facing Brahimi Mariam, who had previously beaten her in the group stages, Anyango showed nerves of steel and unmatched focus. After trading sets, she emerged victorious in the fifth game, winning 11-9 and sealing Uganda’s historic 3-2 overall victory — sparking wild celebrations both in Lagos and back home.

Semifinal Thriller: The Legendary Comeback Against Algeria

Uganda’s road to the final was paved with determination and unyielding spirit. In the semifinals, they faced tournament favorites Algeria and were staring at elimination after going 0-2 down. Anyango lost to Morice Tania and Nakawala fell to Morice Jade, pushing Uganda to the brink.

However, Patra Nasirumbi initiated a stunning comeback by defeating Tazerouti Amani in five sets. Nakawala followed with a commanding 3-0 victory over Morice Tania, and finally, Anyango completed the turnaround with a 3-2 triumph over Morice Jade — catapulting Uganda into the final.

This gold medal adds to Uganda’s growing list of achievements at the 2025 African Youth Championships. Earlier, Joseph Sebatindira and Patience Anyango won individual gold medals during the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge, showcasing the country’s rising dominance in youth table tennis.

It also highlights the remarkable progress of Uganda’s female team, who just last year earned a Bronze Medal at the Africa Senior Championships in Ethiopia. This year, the same players — Jemimah Nakawala, Patience Anyango, and Patra Prossy Nasirumbi — have soared to new heights, earning gold and a place on the world stage.

Eyes on the Singles Battles

With the team events concluded, attention now turns to the Under-15 singles matches, beginning Wednesday, July 30th, 2025. *

Boys' Singles Draw:

Joseph Sebatindira – Group 1: Ndzelen Maxwell (Cameroon), Scholtz Ruan (South Africa), Joseph Victor (Nigeria)

Ibrahim Mutesasira – Group 5: Hussein Adeoye (Nigeria), Makoni Shallom (Zimbabwe), Essid Amir (Tunisia)

Shariff Nsereko – Group 8: Agbetoglo Tony (Togo), Ndzelen Maxsmith (Cameroon), Abdourahaman Ganiou (Benin)

Girls' Singles Draw:

Patience Anyango – Group 4: Zide Iminam (South Africa), Thabet Farida (Egypt), Namupolo Justina (Namibia)

Patra Nasirumbi – Group 5: Morice Tania (Algeria), Ranarison Fiderana (Madagascar), Aruna Mariam (Nigeria)

Jemimah Nakawala – Group 6: Nousoukoppe Marcelle (Togo), Farmer Cadence (Namibia), Rakotondrazaka Rina (Madagascar)

The team is under the expert guidance of coaches Alvin Katumba and Tendo Balyewunya, with support from the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA). Also among the Ugandan delegation is Parvin Nangonzi, who is competing in the Under-19 category, further representing Uganda’s ambition across age categories.

In a statement, the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) extended heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, and support staff, and reaffirmed its full support for the team’s upcoming participation at the World Youth Championships in Romania.

Uganda’s victory is not just a triumph on the scoreboard — it is a victory for girls in sport, for grassroots development, and for the belief that with the right support and resilience, dreams can be turned into history.

The road to Romania is now set, and Uganda will proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s elite youth players later this year. As eyes turn to the singles competition, the spirit of this heroic team performance will undoubtedly continue to inspire.